54 National Standard Squab Book. 
or five pairs of squabs a year, and if handlers of big flocks of common 
pigeons like Johnson of California can make a net profit of $1 per pair 
a year from such low breeders, we think anybody of no experience is 
justified in believing our statement that our Homers are capable of earn- 
ing a net profit of from $2 to $3 per pair a year, taking into account not 
only their fast breeding qualities, but the superior size of the squabs. 
Here in New England we consider the common pigeons inconstant and 
happy-go-lucky breeders. In the vernacular of the squab breeder they 
are called an epithet which is applicd to a female of no morals. They 
are not in the same class at all with the Homer pigeon. 
The common pigeon, the pigeon which flies the streets of our cities and 
towns, is a mixture of all kinds of pigeons, and it partakes of the faults 
of each, and not of the virtues. Its outward appearance is large, but it 
is an effect of feathers and not of flesh. Its feathers are loose and fluffy 
and its muscles soft and flabby. Its head is smaller than that of a 
Homer, the deficiency being marked in the curve of the skull which 
covers the brain. The Homer has the largest brain of any variety of 
pigeon, and discloses this fact by its behavior. It has more sense and 
behaves with more intelligence. Its wonderful homing instinct marks 
it above and beyond all classes of pigeons and it is this quality which 
gives it a commercial value all over the world. The feathers of the 
Homer are laid close Jike a woman’s glove and the muscles under it feel 
as hard and firm as a piece of wood. Its breast is firm and well pro- 
tected, with just the right amount of fullness. Its chest is large, indicat- 
ing good lung power and staying qualities. Its wings are trim and 
shapely, in flight the poetry of motion. The poise of its body and head 
reminds oue of a racehorse listening for the signal to speed over the 
course. The lines from the neck to the body descend in a long, grace- 
ful sweep. Put a thoronghbred Homer into a flock of common pigeons 
and even a novice, if told to pick out the bird which would fly the fastest 
and furthest, would pick out the Homer. The Homer has a long bill (but 
not so long as the Dragoon pigeon). The bill of the common pigeon is 
short. Its bill is more hooked and is sharper pointed. Its head ds shorter 
and more rounding on top. 
The common pigeon is seldom bred in captivity, because it does not pay 
fur the grain which it consumes. If bred in a wild state, it picks up a 
living in the neighborhood, the owner not keeping it wired in. It is the 
cheapest kind of a pigeon, and thousands of pairs are used by trap shoot- 
ers. Undertakers sometimes buy the white common pigeons in order to 
liberate them at graves, to signify the ascent of the soul to heaven. Com- 
mon pigeons will live anywhere, do not get attached to any home, but a 
Homer never forgets the place where it was bred and will search out its 
home in long flights. Common pigeons will alight on any building and 
will drink from different springs and wells, fouling them and making 
themselves a nuisance in a neighborhood. The Homer will alight only 
on its own squab house and drink only at its own home. Common pigeons 
